Community members are encouraged to attend a public meeting, hosted by the town of Estes Park, seeking solutions to the dumpster-diving bear problem -- other than exterminating the animals -- on Thursday, Aug. 9, at 6 p.m. at the town hall board room, 170 MacGregor Ave. Officials hope citizens will attend and speak out about their concerns related to bear and human interactions in Estes Park. Representatives from Colorado Parks and Wildlife will also participate.

Town administrator Frank Lancaster said, "It's important that we successfully coexist with black bears and other wildlife. The town wants to hear more from residents on the bear issue, as we consider what the next steps could be in making improvements in this area."

The Bears Are Us meeting that was scheduled for 6 p.m. in the library on Aug. 9 has been canceled, and interested participants are asked to attend the meeting in town hall at 6 p.m., instead.